This just in from Richard Lockwood:
…he was informed that Porus, with the whole of his army,
was on the other side of that river…
The twelfth annual Society of Ancients Battle Day, Saturday 28 March 2015
Sycamore Hall, Drayton Road, Bletchley, Near Milton Keynes, MK2 3RR
The
Hydaspes 326 BC
Upon this, the drivers of the elephants urged forward the beasts against
the cavalry but now the phalanx itself of the Macedonians was advancing against
the elephants, the men casting darts at the riders and also striking the beasts
themselves, standing round them on all sides. The action was unlike any of the
previous contests; for wherever the beasts could wheel round, they rushed forth
against the ranks of infantry and demolished the phalanx of the Macedonians,
dense as it was.
For
our twelfth annual Battle Day, we once again invite you to a unique day’s
wargaming.
The
battle: The Hydaspes 326 BC – the
invading force of Alexander the Great and his all-conquering but war-weary
Macedonians are met on the banks of the
River Hydaspes by the Indian army of King Porus.
So
sharpen your sarissas and xystons and prepare to fight one last battle for
glory with Alexander, or fight to repel the invaders atop elephants and
chariots with the brave King Porus.
The
aims of the day remain the same:
·
To have fun!
·
To gather as many ancient and medieval
wargamers as possible to refight a historical battle.
·
To fight the same battle simultaneously
on many tables, using a different set of rules on each table.
The
day will run from 9am until 5pm, with an hour either side to set up and pack
away.
Phil Sabin,
Professor of Strategic Studies at King’s College, London, but better known to
Society of Ancients members as the innovative game designer and author of the
book Lost Battles, will be giving a pre-battle introduction to the Hydapes,
putting it in its historical context and highlighting the controversial aspects
of the battle.
And
of course, The Society of Ancients
will be awarding a number of prizes (for various criteria, some more frivolous
than others) to the wargamers on the day, including prizes for Best Game and Best
Terrain.
To
offer to stage a game – contact Richard Lockwood at battleday@soa.org.uk or
else via his details in Slingshot. But in any case, come along and take part as
a player.
The
cost of participating in the Battle Day, to contribute towards hire of venue
and tables, will be held once again at £7 (juniors free), as it has been for ten
years now.
Every
year it just gets better and better – this really should be a regular event on
your calendar. Don’t miss out – come and be part of it!
The
Battle Day is open to both members and non-members of the Society of Ancients.
